Interview with Author Kathleen Y'Barbo

We're talking today to award-winning author Kathleen Y'Barbo. Kathleen is the author of twenty-eight novels, novellas, and young adult books. Kathleen's first book jumped to the Christian Bookseller's Association bestseller list in its first month of release. In all, more than half a million copies of her books are in print in the U.S. and abroad. Besides being a novelist, Kathleen is a publicist, formerly with Glass Roads Public Relations and now exclusively with Books & Such Literary Agency. She has worked on book campaigns for such authors as Brandilyn Collins, DiAnn Mills, Tracey Bateman, Janice A. Thompson, and others. She is the mother of three grown sons and one grown daughter.


Tell us a bit about yourself, your writing, and your publishing journey.

I’ve been writing for 11 years and published for 7. My publishing journey started when, as a child, I learned to prefer reading books to just about any other pastime. Eventually, I decided to give writing a try, and I was hooked.

What is the greatest historical novel you’ve ever read and why?

This question was so tough I saved it for last. Narrowing down the thousands of books I’ve read in this genre is nearly impossible. I can name two, however, have had the most lasting impact on me. Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell swept me away and kept me reading until the last delicious scene. When Rhett walked out, I wanted to march over to Mrs. Mitchell’s house and demand a sequel. And the Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmeyer drew me into a world of women whose characters seemed to jump off the page. When I closed that book, I felt a true sense of loss at the friends I was leaving behind.



Did you have any experiences that prompted your love of fiction and historical fiction in particular?

I’ve always been a history buff, even before I was a writer. I love finding little known historical facts and turning them into stories. For me, research is addictive!

How much time does it take to research your stories – what balance would you say there is between research and actual writing?



I could research indefinitely! The balance comes in that you must, at some point, set aside the research and write the book. Along the way there will be more details to search out, but if the book is never started, it will never be finished – or sold!

Thanks Kathleen! Join us tomorrow for part two of our interview. In the meantime, check out Kathleen's website and don't forget to leave a comment here on our blog to win a copy of Kathleen's book Louisiana Brides.